The photograph on the cover of the book is a representation of the emotional pain felt by the main character, Naya. She has lived through heart wrenching times because of her father. At an early age Naya's father stripped her of any childhood innocence. When Naya grows up, she deals with her pain in journal entries and by speaking her thoughts aloud on a tape recorder.
"Naya remembered...his black leather shoes....she had wanted to place them in a circle and put her red pumps right in the center. She had felt like her world had been completely encircled by the memories of him."
As a matter fact, Naya names her father Beast because he seems like a beast to her. She strives to look back and find out more about this man who gave her life. Was he ever a man with a heart? Is there any way to separate him from an untamed animal?
Sadly, this one man's deeds have spread throughout the family. JK, the father, has controlled the lives of his children and his tentacles continue to damage people long after he feels remorse for his deeds. I have never met a character so out of control while at the same time in control of other people.
While reading the book, I felt sickened by a person so lacking in love. I also felt proud of the way Naya, Jazzmyne works so hard to keep herself together for the sake of her family. She is definitely a strong woman. While she's sorting out her childhood trying to find her children, she discovers disturbing news about her husband's health. This is another piece of bad news she must bear with all the other drama in her life.
Since I don't like drama in my life, I enjoyed this fictional drama. There was never a moment MY FATHER'S COLORS bored me. I couldn't stop reading. I also couldn't stop crying. It's a page turner. Although it is fiction, I know these types of situations do exist in real life. I cry for the girls living through these circumstances. I know reading MARIAN L. THOMAS's book has reminded me life is still pretty difficult for the girl child.
